Abstract
Although the modified Brostrom procedure has had excellent clinical results, postoperative complications such as skin irritation by suture material and problematic scar formation occur. This prospective study was performed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of mini-open ligament augmentation (internal brace technique) using suture tape for chronic ankle instability in a select cohort of patients. Thirty-four young female patients with less than 70 kg of body weight were followed for more than 2 years after suture tape augmentation for lateral ankle instability. The clinical evaluation consisted of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) score, Sefton grading system, and the period to return to various activities. Measurement of talar tilt angle and anterior talar translation was obtained from stress radiographs to evaluate the longevity of mechanical ankle stability. FAOS and FAAM scores had significantly improved to 92.5 points at final follow-up (P < .001). According to the Sefton grading, 31 cases (91.2%) achieved satisfactory functional results. The period to return to exercise was on average 10.2 weeks for jogging and 9.6 weeks for walking on uneven ground. The average subjective satisfaction score of patients was 93.8 points, and satisfaction with the scar was 98.5 points. Talar tilt angle and anterior talar translation had significantly improved to an average of 4.5 degrees and 4.1 mm, respectively, at final follow-up (P < .001). There were no complications such as skin irritation and wound infection, except for 1 case of chronic inflammation. Minimally invasive suture tape augmentation seems to be an effective alternative for young women with chronic ankle instability. Because there is a possibility of progressive elongation over time, the longevity of mechanical ankle stability and the proper indication for using the internal brace technique should be addressed in future studies. Level IV, case series study.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
